Tailor-made Holiday · United Kingdom
The Britannic Explorer, Belmond’s Luxury Sleeper Train
Tailor-made, always
Every trip built from scratch around your dates, pace and preferences.
Your own specialist
One named person and a 24-hour number while you travel.
Hundreds of five-star reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot across ten years of LGBTQ+ luxury travel.
At a glance
Embark on the Britannic Explorer, the latest luxury rail adventure crafted by Belmond. This exclusive journey combines the charm of luxury train travel with the beauty of Britain's landscapes.
From historic cities to rolling countryside, every detail of the Britannic Explorer experience is designed to immerse you in luxury, comfort, and culture. Whether you're savoring world-class cuisine on board or exploring iconic destinations, this journey is the perfect blend of indulgence and adventure.
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Let Belmond take you on a quintessentially British exploration like no other. This trip launches in 2025, but it'll be like taking a trip back in time to a more glamorous era. This luxury sleeper train recreates the golden age of train travel, which is very appealing if you're a Downton Abbey fan.
Gallery
Day by day
This is a sample plan, not a fixed departure. Days can be added, removed or reordered, and almost every client changes something. Prices are an entry-level guide; your quote will be exact.
3 Nights in Wales
Embark on a 3-night luxury journey through Wales aboard the Britannic Explorer by Belmond. Amid charming villages, lush valleys, and Snowdonia’s peaks, this curated adventure immerses you in the beauty and culture of Cymru. Begin with a gin cocktail in the Observation Car before exploring highlights like Llandrindod Wells, Pembrokeshire’s coastline, and the creative hub of Machynlleth. Savor gourmet dining by Chef Simon Rogan, tailored excursions, and stunning views from your private suite. With stops in iconic destinations and a black-tie gala dinner to conclude, this enchanting experience redefines luxury train travel in the UK.
3 Nights in the Lake District
Embark on an unforgettable 3-night journey through the Lake District aboard the Britannic Explorer by Belmond. This luxurious experience blends the rugged beauty of Northern England. From savoring Cumbrian-inspired cuisine crafted by Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan to exploring the historic Lingholm Estate—once a retreat for Beatrix Potter—every moment is designed to captivate. The adventure concludes with a black-tie gala dinner at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire, a celebration of timeless elegance and culinary excellence. With breathtaking views, tailored excursions, and unparalleled service, this journey is the epitome of luxury travel in the UK.
3 Nights in Cornwall
Discover Cornwall, home of King Arthur, on a 3-night journey aboard the Britannic Explorer by Belmond. From the sandy shores of St Ives to the villages of Lostwithiel, this luxury train adventure immerses you in the heart of Kernow’s landscapes. Enjoy gourmet dining by Michelin-starred Chef Simon Rogan, explore Cornwall’s artistic and historical highlights, and relax in the elegance of your private suite. The experience culminates in a black-tie gala dinner at Da Costa, Hauser & Wirth’s renowned Italian restaurant, making this a celebration of Cornwall in all its glory. Unforgettable views, bespoke excursions, and refined luxury make this journey a true masterpiece of travel.
Further information
The Britannic Explorer Train
Step aboard the Britannic Explorer and experience the best of British culture, design, and hospitality. Combining contemporary elegance with heritage charm, the train features luxurious Grand Suites, a serene Wellness Suite, and stylish dining cars inspired by England and Wales’ landscapes. Renowned Chef Simon Rogan curates a farm-to-fork dining experience, while the Observation Car and Bar is a social area with bespoke amber glass accents. Paying homage to Britain’s pioneering rail legacy, the Britannic Explorer offers a journey that celebrates the quirks and charm of English and Welsh heritage in unparalleled style. This trip was designed to set a new standard in luxury train travel.
Accommodation
Expect 5-star luxury on the Britannic Explorer, where private quarters serve as your sanctuary on wheels. Each suite features interiors inspired by the landscapes of England and Wales. The exclusive Grand Suites—Elder, Valerian, and Juniper—offer the ultimate indulgence with private dining, en-suite marble bathrooms, and butler service. Double and Twin Suites provide stylish comfort with plush beds, en-suite amenities, and bespoke artwork by Luke Edward Hall.
Bar
Embark on a journey of taste and discovery at the Britannic Explorer’s Bar, a refined retreat nestled within the Observation Car. Amidst a backdrop of ochre banquettes and softly glowing amber lights, guests are invited to unwind with a meticulously crafted drink in hand.
Skilled mixologists, channeling the artistry of Victorian apothecaries, transform premium botanicals into a symphony of flavors. Whether you crave a bespoke cocktail, a soothing herbal tea, or a refreshing soft drink, each creation is a testament to innovation and elegance.
The Britannic Explorer’s drink menu celebrates the United Kingdom’s flourishing independent distilleries and breweries. From artisan gins to expertly curated craft beers, each sip offers a taste of the extraordinary, ensuring your experience is as unique as the journey itself.
Dining
Dining aboard the Britannic Explorer offers a seamless blend of culinary mastery and stunning scenery. From exclusive off-board private dining experiences to meticulously curated on-board menus, every meal highlights a commitment to local provenance, sustainability, and the farm-to-fork philosophy.
Guests can savor quintessential English delicacies designed by the acclaimed Chef Simon Rogan, celebrated for his globally renowned restaurants that collectively hold eight Michelin stars. Whether enjoying an elegant afternoon tea or a gourmet evening meal, each dish reflects Rogan’s signature innovation and impeccable quality. As the evening unfolds, the Observation Car becomes a lively hub for celebration, chance encounters, and spirited entertainment.
The two restaurant cars, Malva and Samphire, are a testament to Albion Nord’s design brilliance. Drawing inspiration from British greenery, these spaces evoke the charm of an English country garden and the romance of a wildflower meadow.
Adorned with potted herbs, intricate botanical tapestries, and limed oak joinery, the interiors are further enhanced by a trellis-inspired mirror ceiling, creating an inviting sense of spaciousness. Here, guests can delight in fresh seasonal dishes while gazing out at the picturesque landscapes, making every dining moment aboard the Britannic Explorer unforgettable.
Afternoon Tea
The tradition of Afternoon Tea began in 1840 when the 7th Duchess of Bedford requested a tray of tea, bread, butter, and cake at 4 p.m., finding herself hungry between lunch and the late evening meal. What started as a personal indulgence soon blossomed into a cherished ritual of socializing and sophistication.
It is fitting that a train celebrating British heritage offers its own exquisite Afternoon Tea experience. Each menu is thoughtfully tailored to the route being traveled, showcasing the finest regional ingredients. Guests can enjoy delicacies such as Kendal Mint Cake on journeys through the Lake District or indulge in classic Bara Brith while exploring the scenic routes of Wales, making this tradition as flavorful as it is memorable.
Our Experts
Belmond trains set the benchmark in luxury rail travel, and it's incredibly exciting that this will be available in the UK.
The perfect addition to a quintessentially British itinerary - afternoon tea included.
Stellar service. Stellar products. Stellar people and it gets so much better when you pick up the phone and call.
Anthony S.
Super client centred service. From first contact I have had warm, efficient, friendly and flexible service.
John
I’m confident in giving Out Of Office a 5-star review! They are one of the leaders in this space without a doubt.
Tiberiu
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Frequently asked questions
What does Out Of Office do?
Out Of Office is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company specialising in tailor-made holidays and extraordinary journeys around the world. We create bespoke luxury holidays, LGBTQ+ honeymoons, safaris, cruises, beach escapes, private tours and group trips, with every itinerary designed around you. Our travel specialists combine global expertise, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted local partners to create seamless, highly personalised experiences.
Is Out Of Office a gay travel agency?
Out Of Office is an LGBTQ+ owned and run luxury travel specialist, with particular expertise in gay and LGBTQ+ travel. We understand the additional considerations that can come with travelling as an LGBTQ+ person or couple, from local laws and customs to finding genuinely welcoming hotels and experiences.
We welcome every traveller, including friends, families and allies. Many of our clients are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, but choose Out Of Office for our luxury travel expertise, personalised service and discretion.
Do you create tailor-made LGBTQ+ holidays?
Yes. Every tailor-made trip with Out Of Office is designed from scratch around your interests, travel style, budget and the way you want to experience a destination. We can arrange luxury hotels, private transfers, flights, guides, excursions, cruises and special experiences as part of one personalised itinerary. The journeys shown on our website are there to inspire you rather than restrict you; only clearly identified group departures operate as fixed itineraries.
How do you choose LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and destinations?
We combine first-hand destination knowledge with trusted local expertise to recommend luxury hotels, resorts and experiences where LGBTQ+ travellers can feel informed and welcome. We also consider the laws, customs and attitudes of each destination, because LGBTQ+ rights and experiences differ around the world. Our team regularly visit many of the properties we work with and where a destination requires greater awareness, we give you clear and considered advice so that you can make an informed decision about where and how you travel.
We plant trees for every booking
For every booking made with Out Of Office we commit to planting trees in your name to help reduce the impact of travel on future generations. You'll even get a link to see where your trees are planted in the world via our partner Ecologi.
We donate to Rainbow Railroad with every booking
Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ people escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. A donation goes with every trip we sell, funded by us and never added to your price.
Start Planning Your Trip
Tell us where you would love to go, when you are thinking of travelling and what kind of trip you have in mind. One of our LGBTQ+ travel specialists will create a tailor-made itinerary designed around your destination, style and preferences.
One named specialist, first enquiry to homecoming. No call centre, and nothing is charged until you decide to book.